Pope purchased Songbird for $9.5 million at the recent Fasig-Tipton November Sale, while Arrogate has retired to Juddmonte Farms in Lexington, Ky.

“On pedigree, it worked. When you look at him physically, it worked,” Pope told the TDN. “This will be a first-time broodmare going to a first-time stallion, so that will be interesting.”

Both horses’ records place them among the best of the recent era.

Songbird compiled nine Grade 1 wins and 13 victories overall in her 15 starts. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro earned $4.6 million. Arrogate, who had a brief but celebrated career himself, set a track record in the Grade 1 Travers, beat California Chrome in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and Pegasus World Cup, then further pushed his earnings with a last-to-first victory in the Dubai World Cup.

“I was so excited when I saw the news this morning I wanted to get Mandy Pope’s number and give her a call and let her know that I won’t retire until that baby runs," Mike Smith, the jockey who rode both horses, told Equestricon. "I want to ride it one time — well, hopefully more than once. But, anyway, yeah, very, very exciting. I can’t even imagine what that thing will look like. It’ll be so exciting to see.”

Arrogate stands for $70,000 at Juddmonte.

In light of the amazing news that Arrogate & Songbird have a date in 2018, we HAD to get Mike Smith’s reaction! ?? This baby may delay retirement! Take a listen: pic.twitter.com/BQudqAY8MD